Hamlet, Prince of Grief

Directed by Mohammad Aghebati
Written by Mohammad Charmshir
Running time: 38 min., followed by Q&A

Straight from Iran, this is Hamlet as you have never seen it before. Using household objects and children's toys to play out a domestic and political history of betrayal and death, Shakespeare’s tragic hero comes to terms with his violent fate through an obsessive retelling of the moments that preceded the tragedy. Featuring acclaimed Iranian actor Afshin Hashemi, Hamlet, Prince of Grief was first presented in Iran by Leev Theater Group, which was chosen as Iran's "Best Theater Group" by the Critics and Writers Association of Iran's Theater House and was named Tehran's "Best Theater Group" by the Dramatic Arts Center. "The play reorganizes the regulations of the text and provides a modern and contemporary view into the classic work." — Tehran Theatre Club

Praised at last year's Under the Radar Festival at The Public, the play will be presented for one night only.

In Persian with English supertitles.

Watch a trailer for Hamlet, Prince of Grief:

This program is part of Asia Society's ongoing initiative Creative Voices of Muslim Asia, made possible by support from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Additional support for Iran Modern programming is provided by the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, WLS Spencer Foundation and the American Institute of Iranian Studies.

In conjunction with the exhibition Iran Modern, on view September 6, 2013 through January 5, 2014.

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